SEMA Show Debut for Subaru's Bling-Bling Legacy VIP Concept

The SEMA Show was never about subtle or elegant tuning projects but we reckon that Subaru kinda overdid it with its Legacy 2.5GT VIP concept car. A mishmash of body parts from the Japanese domestic market (JDM), and custom-made / SPT accessories, the Legacy 2.5GT VIP is one of those creations that can spark a feisty conversation over its looks on the net.

We don't even know where to begin from: the eye-popping quilted red leather that not only covers the vehicle's interior but also makes an appearance in the engine bay and the luggage compartment; the side window curtains that would look quite cosy at your aunt Thelma's kitchen or the chromed exterior mirrors? Take your pick...

Other mods include the widened fenders that house custom-made 20-inch wheels, an air suspension system from Universal Air that allows the car to get really intimate with the road, the Shinjuku Black Plum paint finish and the onboard entertainment system. Thanks but we'll hastily pass on this one.

SEMA Show: Subaru gives the 2010 Legacy 2.5GT the Low Rider Treatment

The 2009 SEMA Show in Sin City this week will see Subaru taking the veils off a 'low-rider' style 2010 Legacy GT that blends parts from SPT and the Japanese domestic market (JDM) with custom features for the full "VIP", or as it's called in Japan, "bippu" treatment. According to Subbie, "VIP is a style known for a clean, yet heavily reworked, luxury theme with an emphasis on impossibly low ride height and huge, aggressively styled wheels."

So what does this translate in terms of style? Subaru started off by replacing the stock intercooler and the hood scoop with a Mishimoto front mount intercooler with custom piping for a smoother look while the turbo Boxer is dressed up with a custom full engine bay cover, SPT billet oil cap v2.0 and SPT billet battery hold-down v2.0.

Next they lowered the ride with an air suspension system from Universal Air and added custom made 20-inch MC3 Enterprises Trinidad alloy wheels shod in 235/30R20 Falken FK452 tires.

The car is also said to feature a number of body parts from the Japanese domestic market (JDM) Legacy, including: hood, bumper faces, sport grille, front and rear under spoilers, HID headlights and fog lights plus new Roof and decklid lip spoilers. Other features include rolled and flared fenders along with chrome tid bits on the exterior.

As you can see in the single picture issued by Subaru, the Legacy VIP's interior has been customized with diamond stitch seats and door trim finished in Togarashi Red, an illumination kit and STI Duracon shift knob while other goodies include rear a pair of bucket seats at the rear and a multimedia system.

European-Spec 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback to Debut in Frankfurt

Already available in North America and Japan, the all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy and Outback will have their European premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show, which will be held from September 17 through 27. Compared to their American counterparts, both models get a restyled front grille along plus redesigned lower part of the front bumper and larger exterior mirrors housing the turning signals.

The new Legacy Sedan and Station Wagon are 65 mm and 55 mm longer than their predecessors respectively while the wheelbase in both cases is expanded by 80 mm, allowing for greater rear legroom. In Europe the Legacy will be offered with two four-cylinder petrol engines, a 2.0-liter and a 2.5-liter unit, and Subaru's 2.0-liter turbo diesel boxer engine that makes 150 horsepower.

The fourth-generation Outback which is the crossover version of the Legacy Station Wagon featuring improved ground clearance and SUV-like protective body cladding will be sold in Europe with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol and a 2.0-liter turbo diesel while certain markets will also get a range-topping 3.6-litre boxer 6-cylinder petrol model.

New Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon Debuts in Japan

Coinciding with the Japanese market launch of the new Legacy Sedan and Outback models that were revealed for the first time to the public at the New York Auto Show in April, Subaru today performed the world debut of the Touring Wagon version of the Legacy that will be available in key international market including Europe but not in the States. In essence, the Touring Wagon is the same car as the Outback, minus the increased ride height, roof rails and SUV-like body cladding.

Visually, the only differences between the North American and Japanese market Legacy concern a few minor details like the prolonged air intakes at the corners of the front bumper and the redesigned exterior mirrors.

In Japan, the Legacy Touring Wagon is offered with a naturally aspirated and turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine while the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder boxer is available only on the sedan and Outback model.

The European market model that will be unveiled along with the sedan and Outback at the Frankfurt Show in September should get a 2.0-liter boxer petrol unit as well as Subaru's new four-pot diesel.